The International Rehabilitation Center for Polio

The International Rehabilitation Center for Polio (IRCP) at Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham is dedicated to treatment, research, and innovation in Post-Polio Syndrome care. We offer state-of-the-art facilities with world-class medical and rehabilitation professionals. The IRCP staff is dedicated to providing polio survivors with skilled and compassionate care to enhance their function and improve their quality of life.

The IRCP is set up to accommodate the needs of all polio survivors who are able to travel to our facility. We offer intensive appointments scheduled over several days in a row for people coming from out of town. For survivors who live locally or regionally, we encourage appointments be scheduled once a week or every other week over a period of time (depending on need).

Approach to Care

We consider the unique needs of each individual; consequently, the services each patient receives may vary.

Generally, the first day of treatment includes a consultation with a physician and evaluations by the polio team's occupational and physical therapist. The second day/visit typically includes diagnostic testing, physical and occupational therapy and brace clinic, as needed. The third day/visit typically includes a Team Conference (see below) and physical and occupational therapy.

An important part of the IRCP treatment program is the Team Conference. This meeting involves the polio survivor, family members (if desired), and the IRCP team members involved in the survivor's care. The purpose of the meeting is to ensure cohesive treatment, answer questions, and plan for the future. Please bring the following items to your initial evaluation:

To ensure an improved state of wellness, our team works with patients to:

Educate them regarding how to prevent further disability from the initial polio and the late effects of polio

Evaluate new weakness

Improve functional mobility (e.g., walking, transfers, etc.)

Reduce fatigue and pain

Develop an appropriate exercise program

Teach energy saving techniques

Assess the need for work and home modifications

Leadership and Expertise

At the International Rehabilitation Center for Polio, occupational and physical therapists address a variety of functional problems resulting from the late effects of polio. The therapists recommend an appropriate exercise program and assess mobility in the home, workplace and community. A certified orthotist works with the team to provide specific bracing and orthotics needs.

The Rehabilitation Team

The IRCP treatment team may include:

Physiatrists

Physical therapists

Occupational therapists

Speech and language pathologists

Orthotists (brace makers)

Pedorthist (shoe specialist)

Wheelchair/Scooter vendor

Massage therapist

Registered dietician

Psychologist

Coordinator

The Rehabilitation Team at Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham is led by Darren Rosenberg, DO, the Medical Director and Director of the International Post Polio Program at Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham. Darren, a physiatrist, (a physician trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) will direct patient care and provide a medical evaluation and treatment plan. The center's physiatrists have extensive training in treating polio survivors. They also have training in electrodiagnostic studies, including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.